"Merlin!" The moment they walked into the Great Hall, Gwaine bounded forward and gave him a big hug. "Congratulations," he said with a big grin. "I knew you could do it."

"Do what?" Arthur asked, and Merlin held his breath.

"Change your mind!" Gwaine said with a grin and Merlin breathed again. "How does it feel to be a free man?" he asked.

"Good," Merlin laughed.

"Wait. You knew? About Merlin's—" Arthur paused, as if still afraid to say it out loud—"magic?"

Before either of them could answer, Anna flew over and gave Merlin a hug of her own. "Congratulations!"

"You, too."

She turned pink and looked up briefly at Arthur, but he was still looking at Gwaine. "When did he tell you? Why did he tell you?" And not me was the unspoken end of that sentence.

"Anna figured it out—" Merlin began

"And she and I don't keep secrets from each other," Gwaine said quickly.

"Very wise." Gwen had walked over to join them. "Arthur, shall we start the feast?"

"Yes please!" Gwaine said brightly, and the others laughed. "Besides," he said as Arthur and Gwen walked away toward the head table, the sooner we eat the sooner we can dance." He raised his eyebrows and kissed Anna's hand. "Shall we?"

Most of the people at the dinner seemed more stunned than gratified by Arthur's pronouncement. The feast was quieter than most, and there was more talking in lowered voices than laughter. Gwaine did his best to boost the spirits of the other knights with laughter and joking, and eventually their part of the Hall at least became merrier. Things cheered up further when the dancing began. Gwaine danced with Anna first. For the second dance, as Anna danced with Merlin, Raynelle claimed Gwaine as a partner and led him around the floor. Arthur and Gwen, who had also been dancing, came over to them as the second dance ended, joined by Anna and Merlin.

"You're getting better at following all the time," Arthur commented.

"Yes, it's too bad you don't follow orders as well as you follow your partner!" Leon teased.

"Sire," a voice spoke up.

"Ah, Mordred!" Arthur clapped him on the back. "Why aren't you dancing?"

"I wanted to speak with you," Mordred said quietly, and Arthur saw that his face was a little pale. But his soulful blue eyes were brighter than usual.

"What is it?" Arthur asked, concerned. The others were watching them in suspense.

"I—you said—" He swallowed hard and said clearly, "You said in your speech that you wanted sorcerers to practice using magic for combat."

"Yes." Arthur affirmed, afraid that Mordred was going to complain about the decision. "I think it's wise to use all the weapons at our disposal."

"I agree." Mordred squared his shoulders. "I would like to volunteer."

Everyone stared. It was Arthur's turn to sputter. "You—wait—you have magic?"

Mordred gave a small smile. "Yes."

There was silence for a moment, and then Arthur began to laugh. "Alright—who else here has magic that I don't know about?"

There was a pause, and Anna tentatively raised her hand. "Me," she said softly.

"Good lord," Leon said faintly.

Gwaine began to laugh. "I've said it before—I think half of Camelot secretly has magic!"

000

Merlin handed Arthur his sword. It was the next morning, and they were both still a little heavy-lidded from the late hours the night before. "All ready," he announced as Arthur buckled the sword on.

"Yes, I am," Arthur answered, pulling his cape into the right position. He looked at Merlin expectantly.

"What?"

"You can't go to a meeting of the Round Table like that, Merlin."

Merlin looked down. He was wearing his usual blue shirt, red kerchief, and brown jacket. "What's wrong with it? It's what I always wear."

"Go put on something nicer."

"You're assuming I have something nicer." He paused. "If you're suggesting I wear that hideous thing you used to make me put on at feasts—"

"Don't be thick, Merlin. Go put on that jacket you wore for Guinevere's coronation." Merlin stared at him. "Well? Hurry up!"

Gaius wasn't in his chambers when Merlin ran in—he was already down in the Great Hall. Merlin quickly exchanged his usual jacket for the padded crimson one Arthur had given him for the wedding, pinned on Ygraine's brooch, and ran a comb through his hair.

What was this all about, anyway? he wondered as he dashed back down the stairs. Before, he had always attended Arthur to meetings of the Round Table in his usual, everyday wear. If Arthur was going to start expecting him to dress nicer, he was going to have to give him a raise.

He caught up to Arthur and Guinevere outside the doors of the Hall. "Ready?" Arthur asked him as he offered his hand to Gwen, and Merlin thought the smile on his face looked suspicious.

"Ready," he shrugged.

As usual, the knights and Gaius stood to attention behind their chairs as the doors were opened and the King and Queen entered. Merlin followed behind them, taking up his usual place by the windows. But they did not seat themselves immediately.

"Gentlemen, today we welcome another member to the Round Table," Arthur announced clearly. Merlin looked up in surprise. Sure enough, Gaius was seated at Guinevere's left and there was an empty chair to Arthur's right. "Just as Guinevere and Gaius have seats at this table because of their wisdom in counsel, so this new member is a trusted advisor, though not a knight. But his loyalty to Camelot and the Crown are unquestionable, and this honor is long overdue. Merlin, please step forward and take your seat at the Round Table."

Merlin stared. Gwaine began applauding loudly, and the rest of the knights followed, a number of them cheering. Merlin couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face as he walked forward to the empty chair. His name was engraved in the metal plate on the back of it. He looked up at Arthur, who dipped his chin. Merlin gave a nod in acknowledgement and thanks. Guinevere took her seat, and the rest followed suit. Leon, on Merlin's other side, clapped him on the shoulder. "About time," he said.

Merlin laughed and leaned over toward Arthur. "Does this mean I get a raise?" he murmured.

"Not a chance, Merlin."

TBC


AN: Don't worry; Arthur will get him some more formal clothing. :)

GUYS! GUYS! GUYS! THIS IS MY FIFTIETH CHAPTER! FIFTIETH! And the story's over 60,000 words! I'M SO EXCITED!